Verdict: Bruno Fernandes over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Simply looking to finish off the job and book their Europa League final ticket, Manchester United will welcome Athletic Bilbao to Old Trafford on Thursday night.
Manchester United
Starting with the hosts, putting in what was a sensational display last week as they stormed their way to a shock 3-0 victory at San Mames, Manchester United have one foot firmly in the final of this season’s Europa League. However, although Ruben Amorim’s men might be firmly sat in the driving seat when they return to Old Trafford, the Red Devils came crashing back down to earth over the weekend. Eventually falling to a dramatic 4-3 loss at the hands of Brentford, United have drastically failed to find any kind of stability since Amorim’s arrival back in November. In fact, that 3-0 romp in the Basque Country last week was the only win that Thursday’s hosts have collected from their previous nine appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.
Manchester United Team News
Both still dealing with long-term injury issues, Manchester United will once again be without the duo of Joshua Zirkzee and Lisandro Martinez for the remainder of the season. However, making a cameo appearance off the bench away at Brentford last weekend and bagging a consolation strike, Amad Diallo should get some more minutes under his belt.
Handed a full rest in west London, skipper Bruno Fernandes will be handed a full recall on Thursday night and lead out Amorim’s side. Despite notching just a pair of goals so far this calendar year, Rasmus Hojlund should keep his spot spearheading United’s attack.
Athletic Bilbao
As for the visitors, missing out on the chance to claim a crucial first-leg advantage last week, Athletic Bilbao are seeking a major Europa League miracle on Thursday night. Blown away in the Basque Country and slumping to that infamous 3-0 drumming, Ernesto Valverde’s side rightfully faced a huge backlash around San Mames. Failing to pick up any kind of momentum over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against Real Sociedad, the former Barcelona boss has seen his squad win just one of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Showing some worrying issues in the final third, the Lions have notched just a single goal in 370 minutes of action. Likewise, Valverde’s side have mustered just a sole win from any of their last 10 straight matchups away from San Mames.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
While Alex Berenguer might be set to serve a domestic suspension, the 29-year-old is free to feature at Old Trafford on Thursday night. Although attacking talisman Nico Williams might have missed out against Sociedad over the weekend, the Spanish international is expected to make a full return here.
Cementing his spot as Bilbao’s European number one choice, Julen Agirrezabala will return between the sticks. Shown a straight red card against Manchester United last week, Dani Vivian will miss out through suspension here and not travel to Manchester.
Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao met for their first-leg showdown last week, the Red Devils collected a sensational 3-0 victory at San Mames.
- However, that first-leg victory is the only win that Man United have claimed from their last nine appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.
- Athletic Bilbao have mustered just a sole win from their previous four appearances.
- Likewise, the Lions have notched just a single goal in 370 minutes of action.
- Including a first-leg brace at San Mames last week, Bruno Fernandes has recorded 14 goals across all competitions so far tis calendar year.
Conclusion
Storming their way to that stunning 3-0 romp in the Basque Country last week, Manchester United will be desperate seeking a repeat performance here. Sat firmly in the driving seat when they return to Old Trafford on Thursday night, Amorim’s men will be hoping to punch their Europa League final spot with another statement of intent. Bagging a first-leg brace at San Mames last week and enjoying what has been a remarkable flurry throughout 2025, Fernandes will once again play a leading role here.
Verdict: Bruno Fernandes over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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